Salesforce acquires machine-learning startup PredictionIO

Salesforce.com Inc. CRM, +0.71% has acquired Silicon Valley machine-learning startup PredictionIO to bulk up its own technology. PredictionIO cofounder and CEO Simon Chen announced the move in a blog post Friday, without disclosing the price of the deal; Salesforce confirmed the purchase without offering additional information. “At Salesforce, PredictionIO’s innovative machine learning platform will extend SalesforceIQ’s machine learning capabilities and enhance intelligence across the Salesforce clouds,” Chen wrote. Machine learning is a basic form of artificial intelligence, in which computers are trained to act without specific programming. PredictionIO has developed a server with open-source machine-learning technology, TechCrunch reported earlier Friday, and will keep the technology open-source after the acquisition. Salesforce stock gained 0.2% in late trading Friday, after closing with a 0.7% gain at $62.14.